US President Joe Biden has revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping was unaware of the alleged spy balloon incident that occurred over the continental US until it became an international issue. Speaking at a fundraiser in Marin County, California, Biden likened the mishap to a dictator being in the dark. He said that the Chinese leader felt embarrassed that he was not aware of what was happening.
Biden also said that following Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing, he believes that the Chinese may be interested in re-establishing a relationship. However, he acknowledged that it will take time and there are no immediate resolutions. The visit was hailed as a success by both parties, and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is scheduled to visit Washington in the next few months.
The Chinese balloon was spotted over the US, immediately causing tensions between the two countries. US officials ordered the balloon to be shot down when it crossed over the Atlantic Ocean in February 2022. Chinese officials have repeatedly insisted that it was a civilian weather craft and not on a spy mission.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, the US has yet to find a breakthrough in restoring military-to-military communications. The restoration of these communications is critical, as recent encounters between US and Chinese ships and aircraft in the Pacific have led to US fears that accidents could cause full-blown confrontations. The US is cautiously optimistic that dialogue is continuing and that the current situation will improve.